With just eight games remaining in the regular season, the Denver Nuggets were trying to find their rhythm as the postseason was approaching rapidly.
On Friday night, the Nuggets had an opportunity to get back on track against division rival Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets answered the call and put together a rare consistent performance on both ends of the floor for all 48 minutes to secure their fourth win of the year over the Thunder in as many tries. After Denver’s 115-105 win, they are now 51-24 overall, 20-18 on the road, and 10-2 in the Northwest Division. Additionally, the Nuggets are now 10-1 on the second night of a back to back.
The Nuggets began the first quarter with intent and purpose. Every possession was taken seriously on both ends of the floor, but Denver was unable to extend a lead against the Thunder’s stingy defense. Despite the Nuggets executing at a high level, Denver’s lead never got larger than five points as they finished the first quarter leading 33-29.
Just as things have been for the past few games, it was the Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray show from the opening tip. Jokic managed to hit all four of his shots on his way to 10 points and six rebounds in the first quarter while Murray had eight points and four assists in his 11 minutes of action to begin the game. Additionally, both Murray and Jokic were playing greta defense in addition to their offensive dominance.
After a brutal showing — particularly in the second quarter — agasint Houston, the Nuggets reserves had a much better performance against the Thunder in the second quarter. They were methodical and calculated as they helped push Denver’s lead as high as 11 points in the second frame.
As they have done all year, the Thunder battled back and refused to let an 11-point deficit balloon. By the time the second quarter came to an end, the Nuggets had a 56-52 halftime lead.
The third quarter was an absolute slug fest. Both the Thunder and Nuggets traded haymakers over and over again, but neither team could take full control of the game. The Nuggets never lost their lead, but could not put away from the Thunder either.
Jokic and Murray continued to produce at high levels, but the biggest boon Denver received was the infectious energy of Torrey Craig who, despite playing with the flu, was terrific on both ends. He was hitting 3-pointers, gobbling up offensive rebounds, defending as if his life depended on it, and making winning play after winning play. If Denver ends up matched up with the Thunder in the playoffs, Craig is going to have to play a big role. He has been too good against Oklahoma City to not play at least 15 minutes per game or so.
By the time the third quarter came to an end, the Nuggets led by 11 points to the tune of an 86-75 score. Denver was on the verge of putting together a consistent 48-minute effort so long as they finish the game as well as they played in the first three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Nuggets had their work cut out for them, but they were up for the challenge. As the Thunder — particularly Paul George — attempted to make a run, the Nuggets weathered the storm and continued to execute on both ends of the floor. Still, the Thunder were always within a few possessions of the Nuggets.
Then the Nuggets guards showed up in a big way. Murray continued to thrive wen the game got tight as he has all year, Harris was attacking the paint and setting up teammates, and Will Barton nailed a huge 3-pointer and another jumper despite not being a featured scorer for most of the night in the Nuggets starting group.
It took a total team effort from Denver for 48 minutes, and once the final buzzer sounded, the Nuggets won their 51st game of the year by a score of 115-105. With the win, the Nuggets have swept the Thunder in the 2018-19 season.
Once again, it was Murray and Jokic who carried the Nuggets. Murray finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and eight assists on 11-20 shooting from the field while Jokic accumulated 23 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Next, the Nuggets will head back to Denver to take on the Washington Wizards on Sunday night. That game will tip off at 6pm MDT as the Nuggets look to start yet another winning streak.
